For many who lived through World War II as well as those who were born afterwards, the images that defined those years came from newsreel footage, newspaper photos—and posters. In an era when forms of visual mass communication were much more limited than today, posters were a vital communication medium. They could be placed nearly anywhere, and could provide constant reminders to those at home of their role in the war effort.

Not only are these World War II-era posters an important part of the history of that time, they are also often stunning works of art. Among the best posters of the era were those created by the American Red Cross. Here, courtesy of the St. Louis Area Chapter of the American Red Cross, is a collection of Red Cross posters from World War II.